Nishiki Market

Fish was sold on this street as early as 782, because the cold groundwater here kept it fresh close to the Imperial Palace. The shogunate gave the market official permission in 1615. It's now a narrow covered street, about 400 metres long between Takakura and Teramachi, with about 130 shops; it's known as Kyoto's kitchen.

Among them are Aritsugu, the knife-makers, and Tsunori, a fish and charcoal-grill shop open since the late Edo period. Many shops ask you not to eat while walking; buy, step aside, and finish before moving on.